Two of country musics biggest 'former' stars, Garth Brooks and Shania Twain, have been talking about making a come back. It gets me thinking about the stars I'd really like to see make a comeback.

Garth's big five-show come back in Ireland has run into every snag possible and has ultimately been cancelled. Pretty much everyone believes a world tour is going to be announced soon, however. Garth has always said he wanted to come back to performing once his kids were all grown up.

Shania Twain is eyeing dates for a come back tour, as well. We're also led to believe we can expect new music from her sooner rather than later.

country music come backs
Jason Stroja
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I grew up, as did many of us, with a handfull of favorites who were in their hey day years ago, but aren't a part of the youth movement underway in country music over the last 20 years. They still sound great and put out great new music, but the Nashville political machine likes youth over experience. So here are the three artists I'd most like to see make a big 'come back,' as in a come back onto the radio and country charts and awards shows.

The Oak Ridge Boys. They are simply my favorite musical act of all time. They owned the mid 70s and much of the 80s, and still had a few lingering chart hits in the 90s. They sound as good as ever, maybe even better. They still play around 200 dates per year and they still put out great new music. 17 #1 hits should have been even higher, in my opinion. I can lose myself in an Oak Ridge Boys harmony to this day. The power of those four voices together is unmatched in music to me.

Interestingly, their biggest hit, 'Elvira,' is the one song of theirs I really don't like. 'Ya'll Come Back Saloon,' 'Dream On,' 'Sail Away,' 'Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight,' 'Heart Of Mine,' and on and on and on. No one compares to the Oaks for me.

Kenny Rogers. Kenny was quite simply the man. I liked 'The Gambler' and 'Coward Of The County' just fine, but again those aren't the ones I still listen to. The country charts could use more songs like 'Love Will Turn You Around,' 'Through The Years, 'Daytime Friends And Nighttime Lovers,' and 'Twenty Years Ago.'

I'd also like for Kenny to grown his signature beard back.

John Conlee is one of country musics most under-rated stars in my opinion. 'Old School' is one of the greatest songs ever written, I think. 'Miss Emily's Picture,' 'Backside Of Thirty,' 'She Can't Say That Anymore, "Friday Night Blues,' 'Rose Colored Glasses' and so many more. John still performs on and hosts the Grand Ol Opry. I wish he had new songs back on the radio.

I've had the pleasure of being on stage with John twice in my life. It was an honor and a privilege for me.

Here are some others I'd love to see make their way back on top...

  • Merle Haggard
  • The Bellamy Brothers
  • Restless Heart
  • Diamond Rio
  • The Statler Brothers

...and a lot of greats who unfortuantely are no longer with us.

Who would YOU like to see make a come back?

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